Ciutadella Menorca- The historic cultural capital of Menorca

Ciutadella meaning little city was the capital of Menorca until The British moved the capital to Mahon (Mao) in 1722. Today Ciutadella Mernorca is the second largest on the island with a population of 21,000 people. Historic and charming Ciutadella the capital of western Menorca is known for its palaces, famous festivals, and its gothic cathedral and historic trading port. In the vicinity are a number of picturesque white sandy coves with cool turquoise waters and some very interesting archaeological sites.

History of Ciutadella Menorca

The city dates back to the Carthaginians or Phoenicians and was adopted by the Romans as Menorca's capital. The moors ruled here for several centuries naming the city Medina Minurka before they were expelled by the armies of Alfonso III of Aragon in 1287. In 1558 a Turkish army destroyed much of the city after a 10 day siege capturing the survivors to sell as slaves. It was splendidly rebuild but lost it's former status when the British moved the capital to Mahon during their occupation of the island. Ciutadella menorca remaines an important cultural and religious centre on the Island and many of the wealthy nobility stayed in the historic capital.

The Harbour of Ciutadella

The long narrow inlet which forms the harbour of Ciutadella Menorca(Es Port) was once an important trading port. Today the harbour is filled with yaughts easily outnumbering the few remaining fishing boats. Arriving here by ferry from Barcelona or Alcudia is a splendid way to see the strategic towns city walls towering high above the harbour.

The quays around the harbour are lined with restaurants, cafes and bars and are an ideal place to eat fresh, sample tapas at sunset or to have a morning coffee. The harbour is also the location to choose from a variety of activities. Tours on glass bottomed boats leave from here for trips along the coast. Take the pedestrian bridge across the harbour to buy tickets for the Catamaran and car ferries or to rent a boat, car or jet ski and to arrange fishing trips and scuba diving excursions. Ciutadella Menorca is still an active port and one can see busy boat yards further along the quays.

Placa D'es Born

Climb the steps along Baixada Caplonc from the harbour to reach Placa D'es Born. Here you will find a vibrant town square complete with an obelisk in the centre and a Burger King too boot. The obelisk is in memory of those whoo passed on defending Ciutadella Menorca from the Turks in 1558. The eastern side of the square no only has a burger king but is also home to a row of cafes and souvenir shops beneath the old summer mansions of the aristocracy.

The western side of the square houses the Police headquarters and was once the town hall of Ciutadella. On the pavement outside is a preety mosaic.

Visit the Placa on Fridays or Saturdays when a market is held selling fabric, jewellery and other Moorish products.

Ciutadella Menorca Transport

Ciutadella Menorca has ferry links with Alcudia (Majorca) and Barcelona (Cataluña).